A Method for Analyzing Irreversible Apneic Coma(IAC)

Abstract

An method for analyzing irreversible apneic coma (IAC) for determining the presence of irreversible apneic coma (IAC) by analyzing the heart rate variability of a brain traumatic patient, thereby providing a physician a reference index to determine whether brain death has occurred. This method includes, at first, recording an electrocardiogram (ECG) from a subject. Then, analyzing R-R interval in said electrocardiogram (ECG), and plotting said R-R interval into Poincaré plot, wherein the X coordinate in said Poincaré plot represents R-R interval(n), and n is a 1˜data number. Y coordinate in said Poincaré plot represents RR(n+1). And, finally, quantifying said Poincaré plot, and obtaining semi-major axis (SD1), semi-minor axis (SD2), and SD1 / SD2 of said Poincaré plot, as well as Poincaré plot area.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to a method for analyzing irreversible apneic coma (IAC), and in particular, a method for analyzing irreversible apneic coma (IAC) based on the analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) by means of Poincaré plot.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] In an intensive care unit, a patient with irreversible apneic coma (IAC) has a great risk of developing brainstem failure. Brainstem sites governing functions of the heart and of other physiological functions tend to undergo a secondary pathological change, and, causing “brain death” after a certain period time where functions of breathing and heart beating are lost. The patient's life would be irremediable when his condition passes the “irreversible point” of dying.

[0005] This condition happens generally to a patient of severe head trauma and bleeding beneath arachnoid membrane [1-2]. Clinically, IAC patient would be considered legally brain dead ba...

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